One of Yilan’s most photogenic hikes, with lush ridgelines, and easy access from Jiaoxi Hot Springs.
📝 Trail Status Update (June 2026)
Matcha Mountain (Sacred Mother Trail) is temporarily closed from June 10 to November 6, 2026 due to slope stabilization and road repair work following heavy rainfall damage.
The closure begins at the Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi, meaning hikers cannot currently access the Matcha Mountain viewpoint.
This guide remains available for trip planning purposes and will be updated if the reopening schedule changes.
The Sacred Mother Trail (聖母登山步道) — better known today as Matcha Mountain (抹茶山) — is one of northern Taiwan’s most photogenic hikes.
The trail starts in the Wufengqi Scenic Area (180 m) in Jiaoxi, Yilan, and climbs to the Sacred Mother Hut viewing platform (950 m). In the past, this was a Catholic pilgrimage route leading to a small mountainside chapel. Today, it’s famous among hikers and photographers.
The nickname Matcha Mountain came in 2018, when a Japanese photographer compared its rolling green ridges to a giant scoop of matcha ice cream. His photos went viral, and the name stuck.
At the summit platform, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views:
Eastward: the Lanyang Plain and Turtle Island (Guishan Dao, 龜山島) rising from the sea.
Westward: the layered ridges of the Xueshan Range.
On clear days, the undulating green ridge looks just like a giant scoop of matcha ice cream — the iconic view that made this trail famous, especially in spring and early summer when the ridges are at their greenest.
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Trail at a Glance
Distance: 11.2 km round trip (5.6 km one way)
Elevation gain: ~770 m. The hike begins on a paved service road, then turns into steeper stone steps after Tongtian Bridge.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, but expect a steady climb. Allow 4–6 hours for the round trip.
Is Matcha Mountain A Day Trip or An Overnight Stay?
Most travelers can hike Matcha Mountain as a day trip from Taipei. However, if you want to:
Start hiking early to avoid fog
Hike at a slower pace
Enjoy hot springs and local food after the hike
👉 Staying overnight in Jiaoxi makes the trip much more relaxed.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this and continue reading the hiking details below.
Why You’ll Love Matcha Mountain
✨ A few reasons hikers rave about this trail:
🌿 Matcha ice cream ridgeline – photogenic rolling hills covered in lush green.
🌄 Panoramic summit views – spot Guishan Island and the Lanyang Plain.
📸 Perfect day trip – hike in the morning, then soak in Jiaoxi’s hot springs and enjoy local food in the afternoon.
Faith & Legends Along the Trail
Beyond the scenery, this trail also carries a unique spiritual story.
The trail begins above the Wufengqi Scenic Area. It heads toward Sanjiaolun Mountain, which belongs to the Five Peaks of Lanyang (蘭陽五岳) — a group of iconic mountains in Yilan County. Along the way, you’ll notice landmarks such as a chapel at the trailhead and a statue of the Virgin Mary further up — reminders of its origins as a pilgrimage path.
💡 Did You Know? In 1979, a Catholic missionary built a small mountain hut and placed a statue of the Virgin Mary halfway up the trail. A year later, five hikers got lost at night with only candles to guide them. While praying for help, one of them turned back and saw the faint figure of a long-haired woman in the distance. They believed it was the Virgin Mary showing them the way to safety. Grateful for their survival, they later built a pavilion and stone tablet at the mountain’s base. This story drew many pilgrims, and after decades of effort, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi was finally completed in 2005.
Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi
Trail Highlights
The Famous “Matcha Ridge”
Smooth, wave-like ridges that look like a giant scoop of matcha ice cream.
Stunning panoramic views of both the ocean and surrounding mountains.
One of the most photographed hiking spots in northern Taiwan.
Easy Access
Close to Jiaoxi Station and Jiaoxi Transfer Station, with convenient bus or taxi connections to the trailhead.
No need for a car — perfect for a day trip from Taipei.
Relaxing Finish
After the hike, soak in Jiaoxi’s famous hot springs to relax tired muscles.
Refuel yourself with local snacks and delicacies at Jiaoxi Old Street (礁溪老街) — about a 40-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the trailhead.
If you’re traveling with 3–6 people, hiking in summer heat, or want to combine multiple spots in Yilan in one day, a private car can save a lot of time and energy.
Check this Yilan Private Charter Car Travel. (Affiliate link: You won’t pay extra, but I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting my work!)
Hiking Information
Route: Wufengqi Scenic Area → Tongtian Bridge → Sacred Mother Hut viewing platform (optional extension: continue to Sanjiaolun Mountain) → return the same way.
Distance: 5.6 km one way (≈11.2 km round trip; + 0.6 km if continuing to Sanjiaolun Mountain).
Difficulty: Easy (Suitable for beginners and families)
Trail type: 4 km gentle gravel path (easy walking) + 1.6 km steep stone steps.
Permit: No permit required
Best season: Year-round. Spring and autumn offer the clearest views.
Suggested Time: 5 – 6 hours total, depending on breaks. Add about 40 minutes if hiking to Sanjiaolun Mountain.
My Time Log:
08:45 Trailhead
09:00 Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi
09:44 Tongtian Bridge (10 min rest)
10:50 Sacred Mother Hut Viewing Platform (30 min rest)
12:00 Tongtian Bridge
12:39 Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi (5 min rest)
12:55 Trailhead
Note: As a reference, I completed the Tokyo marathon in 6 hours. Your timing may vary based on fitness level and rest time.
Whether you plan to drive or take public transport, staying overnight in Jiaoxi makes it easy to start your hike early and enjoy the area’s attractions, such as hot springs, waterfalls, and local eats.
Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi (about 1 km from the trailhead) – offers rooms and dorm-style accommodations. (Official website | only Chinese available)
Sui Spring Retreat & SPA (呆水溫泉) – 1 km, ~15 min walk. (Official website | only Chinese available)
Hotel Royal Chiaohsi (礁溪老爺酒店) – 1.5 km, ~20 min walk. (Official website | English available)
In Jiaoxi town:
Driving: Any hotel or B&B in Jiaoxi is within a 15-minute drive to the trailhead.
Public transport: For the most convenient bus access to the trailhead, stay near Jiaoxi Transfer Station.
Here are some places recommended by locals — plus a few I’ve personally stayed at and loved:
Hotel
Highlight
Booking
Hostel Sasa
(山杉青旅)
Cozy backpacker hostel surrounded by rice fields, with a bar and community vibe.
The lobby has a big projector screen where they play music or movies in the evenings.
Fog & timing: Matcha Mountain is often foggy. Start early to catch the clearest views before noon.
Weather: Winters are wet; summer afternoons often bring clouds. Carry a rain jacket.
Gear: Hiking shoes, trekking poles, and rain protection recommended.
Fireflies: Around April, the clean streams near Tongtian Bridge glow with fireflies at night.
Water sources:
Drinking water: Available at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi
Water (need to boil or filter before drinking): Available at Tongtian Bridge, and Sacred Mother Hut.
My Experience: When I hiked in early August, it was around 30°C and felt very humid on the final climb. My 1.5 liters of water ran out, so I was glad to refill at the Sanctuary of Our Lady on the way down. If hiking in hot weather, bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
Toilets:
Wufengqi Parking Lot (near the trailhead)
1 km: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi
2 km: Rest Area
3 km: Rest Area
Sacred Mother Hut (end of trail)
Nearby Attractions
Jiaoxi Old Street (礁溪老街)
Relax in hot springs – Jiaoxi is famous for its therapeutic hot spring baths. Here are some great options to relax after your hike.
Hot Spring Experience
Location
Booking
Sui Spring Retreat & SPA (呆水溫泉) – Private springs + lunch
💡 Disclosure: Some of the booking links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This helps support Unlocking Taiwan and keeps guides like this free and updated. Thank you!
Sample local treats – Popular spots include Yi Shun Xuan (奕順軒), Chen Wang Ji Duck Rice (陳旺記鴨片飯), Bing Xue Jiaoxi Ice Shop (冰雪礁溪店), and Wu Ji Peanut Roll Ice Cream (吳記花生捲冰淇淋).
Wufengqi Waterfalls (五峰旗瀑布)
Known as one of Taiwan’s most beautiful three-tiered waterfalls. The trail is flat and easy, suitable for all ages.
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